Disclaimer: Yes, I own the rights to Auron and Kimahri. You believe that, right?
A Legend's Journey
Chapter 19
Auron had kept his promise to Marin to provide sword training to his little band of men. Some time later, he watched as the men practiced the moves he had been teaching them. Most were doing fairly well, a couple were doing very well and two were hopeless. But not one of them complained and went through the practices earnestly. He, Kimahri and Alsa had been working with them regularly and their willingness could not be questioned.
None worked harder than Marin. He was sincerely dedicated to providing the best security possible for the town. Auron was actually impressed with Marin's progress with a sword. For someone really just beginning, he was doing quite well.
Auron had, with Marin, attended a Town Council meeting. Auron stayed in the shadows at the back of the room as Marin stood to speak, broaching the subject of gil for the town's Security Force and their desperately needed upgrades in equipment, material, etc.
He was instantly met with political hedging, empty rhetoric and waffling. Auron listened for a time. Then he stood and walked to the front of the room and when The Legendary Warrior and Guardian of Spira stands to speak, everybody else shuts up and listens.
"I'm hearing a lot empty, meaningless words! The people of this town need to be able to live in peace and security and the Security Force has to try to provide that. They cannot accomplish it with no training, inadequate, worn-out equipment and too few men to do the job."
"I would think that the appearance of fiends actually inside the walls of this town would have been enough to wake you up! I saw most of you that afternoon supposedly inspecting something that you couldn't even identify. Who among you had even one thought of setting a watch for other intrusions that were entirely possible?"
The room was totally silent.
"One man. One man was instantly on the job. One man marshaling the few resources he had at his disposal, setting a watch with a few untrained men. He didn't stop for two whole days, always moving, encouraging those few tired men while you were home sleeping in your beds! That man was Marin."
The eyes of the Council members turned to the modest man who had first addressed them. Some had never laid eyes on him before, never having given the town's security any thought.
"He's a good man who has my respect. On his own, he has sought training for himself and his men. On his own, he has worked to provide this town with real security. With no help from any of you!"
Hearing The Guardian's words, most now looked at Marin with interest and some with new respect.
"I have fought more battles and enemies than I can count. There are two lessons I've learned above all: keep yourself prepared and never let your guard down. I'm telling you, warning you, that you must take action tonight to provide Marin with what he needs to do the job he's trying to do. If you don't, the citizens of this town will pay the price with their blood. It is your responsibility to see that that doesn't happen. Marin and his men are the guardians of this town. It is your moral obligation to support them in anything they require to keep you safe!"
The room remained silent as The Guardian's words rang in their ears. He remained standing and stared them down until the very last one lowered his head in shame. "We will leave you now to discuss it." At that point, he and Marin left, their boots thudding on the floor in the silent room.
Outside, Marin offered his hand to The Guardian. "Sir Auron, again I'm in your debt. If that doesn't get them moving, I don't think anything will!"
Auron shook the man's hand. His deep voice quietly said, "Marin, sometimes it takes strong language to make a point. I hope it got through. And you have no debt to me, now or in the future. I should have taken an interest in the town's security long before I did. I apologize for relaxing my guard. It won't happen again."
Marin looked down for a second then back up at the man towering above him and nodded his head thoughtfully. "Good night, Sir Auron."
"Good night, Marin."
Marin watched as the big man walked away down the darkened street, boots resounding on the stones, his red coat swirling around him. Auron had no idea of the measure of esteem in which he was held by the other man.
Marin had never expected that a man of Sir Auron's stature would take such a genuine interest in his little backwater, ragtag group, but he had. For months, Sir Auron had spent many hours under the hot sun in a field outside town with him and his men, teaching them swordsmanship, strategy, deployment, every imaginable aspect of security, about the many kinds of fiends and the weaknesses and strengths of each. They had learned much. And Marin regarded himself as the chief pupil.
Kimahri and Alsa, had provided invaluable lessons in fighting with other weapons, enabling those who were inept with the sword to become proficient with other weapons. It served to give the little force more options which was good.
Marin didn't know if they were prepared to take on powerful fiends such as the varuna, but he thought they actually might have a chance against most of the lesser fiends should they appear.
He sighed and turned toward his home. It had been a long day.
Walking home after the meeting that night, Auron thought of his other pupil, Raine. She had shown herself to be quite adept in the use of a sword. Some time earlier, they had taken a long walk into the town to visit Nathan, the sword-smith.
Nathan was thrilled to see The Guardian enter his shop. There was no better treat for the sword-smith than to have the opportunity to discuss weapons with a truly knowledgeable man as he.
"Sir Auron! Welcome, welcome! It is so good to see you again." Nathan's brown eyes were fairly dancing.
"Hello, Nathan. Thank you! It is good to see you, as well. My wife and I would like to see some of your smaller blades, if you will. Since she took it upon herself to save my hide with a dull practice sword, it is only right that she have a blade of her own, don't you think?" That corner of his mouth was twitching.
Looking at Raine, Nathan said, in all seriousness, "Lady Raine, I am delighted to meet you. And I want you to know that you truly have my respect. That was no small feat in either courage or accomplishment."
Raine blushed and softly replied, "Thank you, Nathan. But I only did what I had to."
Nathan looked into her blue eyes and just nodded. He saw her measure in those eyes and knew that she was deserving of his respect.
Turning to his racks of weapons, he stopped in thought. Eyes narrowed, he paused before each rack as he slowly and thoughtfully gathered a dozen or so blades and put them on a table for their inspection. "There are others but I think you will find one among these that you will be comfortable with."
Auron's expert eye took in the selection and glanced at Nathan. This was a serious collection of weapons! He nodded his approval and stepped back for Raine to try them.
She thoughtfully picked up one after the other and put them down. Then she picked up a beautiful silver blade that had graceful curve to it, the grip of the hilt a perfect fit in her hand. There was a delicate design beautifully engraved on the guard which continued onto the blade then curved upward and along the spine. Though a novice with swords, she instantly felt the perfect balance of the blade. It felt like an extension of her arm. A smile crept across her lips.
The two men watched her feeling out the sword and exchanged a look and a small, knowing smile. It's always the same when a person is fortunate enough to actually find the blade that was created just for him. Or, in this case, her.
She tested it by going through a few minutes of the ritual workout that Auron had taught her and it felt flawless. Auron noticed again that when Raine went through the moves it was more a beautiful dance than a workout, very graceful, but the moves would be just as deadly in battle. He prayed she would never have use it for that purpose!
She was so entranced by the perfect feel of the sword, she was unaware of the delighted smile on her face. Finally, she took a deep breath and looked at Auron with shining eyes. "This one."
He nodded at Nathan who looked at Raine with a higher level of respect. She may be relatively new to swordsmanship but under the tutelage of Sir Auron she was already fairly advanced. He had never seen those steps before but he readily recognized the battle movements of the sword incorporated into them. He had no doubt that she would be able to hold her own if it came down to it!
"A sheath, Sir Auron?"
Auron thought. She needed a means to carry it, but what manner of sheath would suit her best? He finally decided on an adjustable one like he had. That gave her the option of switching from a side carry to a back carry.
Nathan brought out the smallest one he had and Auron began to fit it on her, but it was just too large.
"No problem, Sir Auron. I'll make one for her. It shouldn't be more than a few days and I'll have it ready. I'll bring it when it's done, if that is satisfactory."
"Yes, that is fine, Nathan. Thank you."
Nathan got a few measurements, Auron placed gil in his hand and they left, Auron carrying her sword for her.
Walking back home, he didn't say much, but there were almost continual twitches around his mouth. 'I never would have thought that I would be buying a truly fine, first-class blade for my wife!'
Raine glanced at him with questions in her eyes, but he just rumbled something she took to be a chuckle of some sort.
As soon as they got home, she turned to him and asked, "Can we go to the roof, Auron? I'd like to practice with the new sword if that's OK." Her eyes were shining with excitement, hope and anticipation. Auron was insistent that she practice only under his supervision.
He couldn't help but smile before turning very serious. "Yes. Raine, this is a finely crafted, first-class, razor-sharp sword that can inflict great damage. You must always be mindful of that. Know where your blade is in relation to your position at all times! If you lose focus or lose the position of the blade for any reason, you must stop immediately. Understood?"
She nodded. She listened very carefully to him whenever he spoke, but particularly when he was functioning as her instructor. And she was an excellent pupil.
On the roof, he stood to the side and watched as Raine placed the blade in the starting position before her, closed her eyes and took a deep breath, getting her mind focused. When she was ready, she began the steps of the ritual, the silver blade flashing as it beautifully moved around her, Auron's expert eye intently watching every nuance and move. As time passed, the pace increased and increased until he felt that it was fast enough for her at this stage. She was still developing the muscle strength and control required to handle the blade at much higher speeds.
He spoke in a very low, quiet voice, almost a whisper. "Now begin the ending." It was important to not interrupt the flow of the mind of one doing ritual. The mind had to be totally focused on the steps and the movements of the blade. Instructions had to be given gently and quietly so as to not disturb that focus.
He watched as she smoothly changed modes and began the long sequence that would complete the steps until the blade stopped perfectly in front of her, in perfect control. He gave her a moment to take a deep breath and release her mind from the intense discipline of the steps.
She stepped back and looked at him for his critique and got a big smile for her answer. "The best yet! I'm very proud of how well you're doing."
She smiled, took a big breath and exhaled. "That felt good. Really good!" Auron smiled because he knew exactly what she meant.
She handed the blade to Auron and wrapped her arms around him. "Thank you, Auron. Thank you not just for the blade but especially for teaching me the workout steps. That is a very special part of you, something you treasured, and I treasure it because you have shared that with me."
She looked at him with a smile and said, "And have I told you that I treasure you?"
"No, but I'd like to hear it often!" he smiled as he took her into his embrace.
True to his word, Nathan appeared at the door a few days later, new sheath for Raine in hand.
It had been carefully crafted out of white leather and the fit was perfect. Auron took her to the roof to teach her how to use it. She practiced until she felt as if her arm was going to fall off, but she kept at it, day after day after day.
It wasn't long before she was able to draw it in one smooth, easy, natural motion from the back carry, blade instantly ready. Auron was pleased no end at her progress. She was at the point that she needed to gain some experience against a sparring partner and he knew who it would be.
After an afternoon session with the Security Forces, he approached their leader. "Marin, you've progressed well with your sword. I have a favor to ask of you. I've been instructing my wife in the use of a sword and I feel that she's at the point now that she needs to gain experience with a sparring partner. Would you be willing to serve in that capacity for her?"
Marin's face split into a wide grin. "Sir Auron, I would be delighted! If she is your student, I know she's undoubtedly a worthy opponent who will show me a trick or two. I will benefit greatly and I thank you for asking. As you know, I have no domestic obligations so I'll be at your disposal whenever I'm not occupied with my duties."
A few days later when Auron told Raine of his plans, she was hesitant. "Do you really think I'm ready, Auron? I'm not sure about this."
Auron's dark eyes looked at her with a smile in them, "Well, I am and who is better to judge?"
"Okay, if you're sure. I trust your judgment. I just hope I don't embarrass you." That was still Raine's greatest fear. She never wanted to reflect badly on him and she tried very hard to always present herself well.
The top of her head was at the perfect height to serve as a rest for his strong chin when his big arms wrapped themselves around her. A deep soft rumble assured her that she should never have any concern for that. Her face against his chest, she loved to just listen to the sound of his beating heart. "I could stay like this forever," she sighed.
"Then I shall tell Marin that the sessions are canceled." he responded with a smile.
"When is he coming?" she asked.
"He'll be here any minute now."
"What?! Auron! You didn't give me any warning!"
"I know. I didn't want you to have time to fret about it." He was smiling into her surprised blue eyes.
"I'll go change into slacks." She shot her husband a look as she hurried to their room. 'A little warning wouldn't have hurt, you know?!' She shook her head with a half-smile on her lips.
She had barely reached the bedroom when she heard the bells at the outer door. 'Wow. He wasn't kidding about 'any minute'! Well, they'll just have to wait a minute for me.'
She grabbed her white slacks and a plain white, sleeveless shirt. Didn't have time to think about coordinating colors. She laced up the white shoes Auron had had made for her. They gave better support and more secure footing than did her slippers.
She hurried down the hall and into the living area, a bit breathless from her rush, unaware of a pink flush in her cheeks. In her white clothing, dark hair and flushed cheeks, Auron thought for the millionth time that she was the most beautiful woman on Earth. Marin, who had seen her but had never met her, was almost intimidated by her appearance.
The two men rose as she entered. Auron said, "Raine, I would like for you to meet Marin, head of the town's Security Forces. Marin, this is my wife, Raine."
Raine smiled, held out her hand which Marin took and gave her a small bow. "I'm so glad to finally meet you, Lady Raine! I hope you will have mercy on a novice swordsman," he said with a smile in his brown eyes.
She laughed that light, bubbly laugh that made Auron's heart jump. "It is a pleasure to meet you, Marin. Welcome to our home! My husband speaks so highly of you. But he didn't mention our sparring sessions until only a moment before you arrived so I wasn't properly attired. I apologize for keeping you waiting while I changed." Another look shot in Auron's direction which was received with an upward tic of one side of his mouth.
"Think nothing of it, ma'am. I thank you for having me in your home."
Auron led them up to the roof and explained what he expected of them in this first session. It would be broken into very short segments as he demonstrated offensive and defensive moves to them, which they would then practice. He had also taken the precaution of putting guards on their blades; no sense in taking any chance on injuries as they learned this next phase of their training.
He told them, "Marin, you will have the advantage of height and weight. Raine, you will have the advantage of speed and agility. You each have to learn how to best use those advantages."
And they began. Many mistakes were made but they learned quickly from them and they were rarely repeated. Auron kept after them and they worked hard, both glistening with sweat as the afternoon passed. Without the blade guards, each would have had his/her share of nicks and cuts, but it was time well spent.
By the time Auron called a halt, both were spent and thirsty, but had smiles on their tired faces. Auron was actually pleased with both of them but gave them honest critiques and advice. They listened attentively – and he was as pleased with that as anything. They were more than willing to learn – and that was a major component to success.
Each had learned in this first lesson: Marin on how to better avoid her quick attacks and Raine on how to avoid Marin's longer reach and stronger parries. They looked at each other with respect and grins of just enjoying what they were learning.
Auron brought some cold juice for the three of them and they sat on the benches as Auron imparted more knowledge to them. Before they knew it, the sun was fading.
Raine got up, "Let me get a quick shower and I'll prepare some food."
Auron said, "Why don't I prepare the food while you shower. That will be quicker. I'm hungry! Marin, you'll stay?" as they descended to the kitchen.
Marin didn't know quite how to respond. He also needed to shower and being in the the home of Sir Auron for instruction was one thing, but being there as a guest was something else.
Auron read his thoughts as he gathered the things for the meal. "Marin, you are welcome in this home any time. We want you to feel at ease here. Anyone invited here is invited because he is found worthy of the invitation beforehand and should be entirely at ease."
Marin dropped his eyes a moment. "I am honored, Sir Auron. As you know, I'm just an ordinary man in a small town and -"
Auron cut him off. "Marin, you are anything but ordinary. If it were not so, you wouldn't be here." He paused. Then, "Coffee or juice with your meal?"
Marin smiled. "Coffee, please."
Auron got a fresh towel and handed it to Marin. "If you'll feel better, you can freshen up here at the sink." Marin was grateful and did just that. He didn't worry about not combing his dark hair; it was unruly no matter if he did or didn't, so he just brushed his hand through it after which it returned to the exact same state it had been in before.
In a few minutes, Raine reappeared fresh and sweet-smelling from her shower. "I'm glad you stayed, Marin. I look forward to our lessons." Smiling at Auron, she said, "We have the best instructor on the planet all to ourselves!"
Marin laughed, "That we do! And thank you for the invitation."
The food was ready quickly and they enjoyed it as they talked. Marin found, to his surprise, that he did indeed feel at ease in the company of these two most esteemed people.
Lingering at the table long after the meal had been eaten, they talked about swords and swordsmanship, his plans and hopes for his Security Force, about this and that.
Marin suddenly noticed that the sky was black and quickly stood. "Oh, the hour must be late! I'm sorry, I didn't realize how the time had gone by. I apologize for overstaying my welcome," as he began collecting himself to leave.
"You've done no such thing. I've enjoyed the conversation very much. Thank you for working with me. I look forward to the next time!" Raine said.
Auron held out his hand to Marin. "Thank you, Marin. That was a good session. As soon as you're available, we need to continue, if you're willing."
Marin laughed. "Willing? Sir Auron, I'll be here as much as I'm able! I just don't want you to get tired of me. As far as I know, I'm available tomorrow, if that is suitable. Just let me know."
Auron looked at Raine who nodded. "Then let's plan on tomorrow, unless something comes up that requires your attention."
Marin agreed. He thanked both of them, shook Auron's hand again and a bow to Raine. He left with a smile on his face. Who ever would have thought that they would make a nobody like him so comfortable and welcome in their home.
His thoughts remained on Sir Auron as he walked home. Sir Auron's intervention on his behalf at the Town Council meeting had been very successful. For the first time, he actually had some funds to work with. He had made arrangements with Nathan to provide some decent weapons for his men. He had been able to hire several more men whom he thought had good potential and even made a deal with Carlon to lease several Chocobo when needed instead of having to use one tired bird all the time.
Following the advice of Sir Auron, he had selected a second-in-command. Sir Auron had explained beforehand the pros and cons of creating that position but he had been right, of course. He had to have someone he could rely on to serve in that capacity as he himself couldn't be on duty around the clock every day.
Before making his selection for the position, he had thought very carefully, weighing and balancing each man's abilities with what the position would entail. Finally, he choose Sten, a solidly built, quiet man with steady blue eyes to go with his light-colored hair. When he told Sir Auron of his choice, the tall man nodded. "Good choice, Marin. He'll do well and the position won't go to his head."
Marin reached his home tired, more than ready for a shower and his bed. It had been a good day! He smiled.